Colin Powell Resigns

[jeo4]

Colin Powell resigns
Further Cabinet resignations expected
Monday, November 15, 2004 Posted: 10:34 AM EST (1534 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell has submitted his resignation to President Bush, the White House said on Monday.

Powell is the most prominent of four Cabinet officials whose resignations will be announced Monday, sources told CNN.

The others will be Agriculture Secretary Anne Veneman, Education Secretary Rod Paige and Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, the sources said.

Powell told his senior staff that he planned to stay on until a replacement was confirmed, State Department officials said.

State Department officials told CNN that Bush and Powell decided mutually that it was time for him to go.

The officials said that Powell plans to keep working on a number of key issues, including North Korean nuclear talks, the Iraqi elections scheduled for January and Middle East peace process.

Powell was scheduled to travel to Egypt next week for a conference on Iraq.

A senior official said Monday that the State Department was trying to arrange a meeting between Powell and the new Palestinian leadership, but added the details have not been worked out. A date and place have not been set, the official said.

The official made the comment after Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath told reporters in Gaza City that Powell was expected to meet with the leadership next week in the West Bank.

Rumors have swirled about Powell's role in a second Bush administration, but neither the president nor the secretary had spoken publicly about his future.

Last week, when asked if he wanted Powell to stay on to oversee the Mideast peace process Bush told reporters: "I'm proud of my secretary of state. He's done a heck of a good job."

Powell told reporters that he had had several conversations with the president, but would not comment on what they said.

Source: CNN.com

[darchangel]

<waves good-bye, sniffling into Kleenex>



Through Like Crue

~darchangel~

[electriclite]

When Jimmeny Cricket resigns that's when you know you're screwed.


Could anyone tell me if this many Cabinet members have resigned or been expected to resign so soon after an incumbent's re-election in history?

[darchangel]

Originally posted by electriclite
When Jimmeny Cricket resigns that's when you know you're screwed.


Could anyone tell me if this many Cabinet members have resigned or been expected to resign so soon after an incumbent's re-election in history?


maybe Nixon...but that's a different story altogether ;)



Through Like Crue

~darchangel~

[jeo4]

Ronald Reagan's cabinet went through a similar change of staff. Many didn't agree with his policies, either. He also fired a few people on the way through his tenure, including Alexander Haig and Casper Weinberger. Secretary of State James Brady was shot and crippled when John Hinkley, Jr. tried to assasinate Reagan. He was replaced by James Baker. Other Presidents have had a similar changing of the guard while in office, but it is rather rare for so many to change. I can't help but notice it happens during Republican administratons more than those of the Democrats.

The cabinet began changing and feuding almost as soon as it was formed. Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson were a famous story during George Washington's time in office. They couldn't stand one another and often feuded publicly. Hamilton was rather passionate about everything. Ultimately, he was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr. Jefferson was Washington's first Secretary of State, and of course he penned the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Jefferson also had issues with John Addams, Washington's Vice President. But the two remained friends in spite of their differences. Eventually, of course, both would become President.

[<3mekthx]

I just seen on one of the Cable News Stations that Clinton's 2nd term had 7 positions in his cabinet to change, 6 left and 1 switched jobs.

[free]

I hope Condi Rice isn't promoted.

I've read that Powell disagreed with some of Bush's policies, and was vocal about it. Wonder if that had something to do with his resignation.

[Criminal Rock]

I wouldn’t be surprised if he resigned because of all the shit he’s been getting from “certain people” for the reason that he works along side Bush.

[Tuukka]

Originally posted by Tai Mai Jew
I wouldn’t be surprised if he resigned because of all the shit he’s been getting from “certain people” for the reason that he works along side Bush.

RE:

Not sure what you mean? Who are those "certain people"?

Anyway, it's pretty commonly told that Powell has often disagreed with Bush and Rumsfield on important issues. So I wouldn't be suprised if it was him who wanted to go, instead of Bush firing him. From what I know of him, Powell comes off as a man who likes to make political decisions based on reason and logic instead of conservative, religious, right-wing "morals".

A question:

Since I'm not familiar with most of these folks, are all the people who are getting resigned right now more liberal people on the Bush administration, or are they also getting rid of people who strongly support Bush? In other words: Is Bush trying to get rid of all the people who might question his policies?

[jeo4]

No, Powell is the one moderate in the cabinet, and the only one who said long before the election that he wouldn't come back for a second term. The rest of the deck is shuffling on its own.

[Tuukka]

Originally posted by jeo4
No, Powell is the one moderate in the cabinet, and the only one who said long before the election that he wouldn't come back for a second term. The rest of the deck is shuffling on its own.

RE:

Ah well, that's good news then.

[Zebra 3]

:( - I'll sure miss Powell trying to submit forged documents at the UN...

[Tuukka]

Originally posted by Zebra 3
:( - I'll sure miss Powell trying to submit forged documents at the UN...

RE:

Personally I'm doubting how much he wanted to do that. But it was his job. I've read from several sources that Powell was against the war. Not sure how reliable this info is, but somehow I buy it.

[JohnTheHenchman]

On the bright side of all of this, there is atleast a possibility that Powell will run for Senate against Hillary Clinton in 2006.